2026 Honda Passport Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2026 Honda Passport carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering rear. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering wheel clicking noise and clock spring failure.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #26V424000 · Jan 7, 2026

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2026 Pilot and Passport vehicles. The rear subframe bolts may have been tightened improperly.

Risk: Loose rear subframe bolts can lead to a loss of vehicle stability or rear subframe detachment, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OOY. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 10, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2026 Honda Passport.

Reported to NHTSA

Steering wheel clicking noise and clock spring failure

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-08

The steering wheel clicks when turning. Purchase dealership did nothing. 2nd Honda dealer ship replaced the clock spring and steering column. Helped for a day then the noise returned. Additionally, there’s a dead spot when turning
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756372
The contact owns a 2026 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel, there was a clicking sound like a loosened spring in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to diagnosed and the contact was informed that the steering wheel needed…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744744
Steering wheel makes clicking noises at low speeds when turning. Dealership was able to replicate the noise and diagnosed as bad coil reel. The coil reel was replaced and the problem persists. Informed by dealer that there’s nothing more they can do
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680277

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Windshield cracking from road debris impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05 → 2026-08

On July 31, 2026, we we're driving north on interstate 81 in northeastern Pennsylvania when a small rock flew up from another vehicle striking the windshield and creating a small star-shaped crack in the windshield
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754206
Windshield cracked and was replaced in early May 2026. Less than 3 weeks later, windshield has cracked again in exact same location. People on forum are starting to report same issues. I feel this is a design flaw in the windshield
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741182
On June 29, 2026, we were driving on interstate 87 near the Albany airport when a small rock struck my car windshield which caused a small, star-shaped crack on the driver's side of my windshield
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754204

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Ventilated seat design causing tailbone pressure

SEATS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2025-09 → 2026-07

I purchased a Honda Passport Trailsport Elite on 6/29/26. I had a 3 hr drive ahead of me. After driving approximate 8-10 miles, the seats became extremely uncomfortable to the point that I had to turn around and go back to the dealership
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748147
The front seats on our new 2026 Honda Passport Elite are extremely uncomfortable. To the point of actually being painful. It feels like there is something towards the back of the seat where you sit that is bulging
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727570
This is not an accident but a could contribute to an accident. the drivers seat on the 2026 Honda passport is extremely difficult to sit in more than 30 mins. The fan ventilation "system" that is in the New 2026 passport can be felt and puts pressure in the pelvic floor and tail…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11686520

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Harsh transmission shifting and shift flare

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-09 → 2026-08

PASSPORT 10 SPEED HARSH SHIFTING AT LOW SPEEDS. DOES NOT SHIFT FROM LOWER GEARS SMOOTHLY. ENGINE REVS BETWEEN GEARS. IT'S A HYDRAULYIC SHIFT FLARE. IN ADDITION, HARSH DOWNSHIFTING AND ABRUPT DECELERATION WHEN LIFTING OFF THE GAS PEDAL
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755655
While passing at highway speeds under heavy acceleration, the transmission system on my 2026 Honda Passport with approximately 7,000 miles malfunctioned. Multiple warning messages appeared, including “Transmission system problem. Reverse gear not available. See your dealer,”
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736166
My 2026 Passport has severe transmission issues that the dealership and Honda North America are not acknowledging. The shifts are harsh at any speed. The downshifts (especially from 40-0 mph) are consistently violent and jerky
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11688730

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Over-the-air software update failure (TT04 error)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2026-04 → 2026-08

The vehicle system keeps throwing code TT04 for a failed over-the-air update. The tech specialist indicated there is no current fix for the issue other than restarting the OTA system, disabling the auto-update function, and not checking for updates
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735101
Only 4200 miles and receiving TT04 error which appears, from social media, has been ignored by Honda or just no fix and any fix by the dealer would be temporary. Very disappointed, Honda has always been my car of choice
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733121
The vehicle’s software can’t be updated due to a well known long standing error. This could effect safety systems, I was told that my car has four updates (dealer)which can’t download/install due to this OTA problems
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754870

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Automatic emergency braking without obstacle present

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-08

I was driving approximately 70 MPH, on a freeway in rain; I moved to the passing lane to go around a semi-truck. Spray from the semi was heavy but I could still see the road. Suddenly, the car brakes engaged very strongly. We were jolted forward in our seats
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754813
My 2026 Honda Passport has experienced two separate “phantom breaking” events while I was driving on clear roadways without any other traffic. Both events occurred while driving with cruise control set at 35 mph
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753670
My 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite has twice applied its brakes on its own, with no obstacle, vehicle, or hazard in front of me to justify braking. On July 13, 2026, at approximately 5:36 p.m., I was driving in evening traffic when the vehicle suddenly braked hard on its own
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752177

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Sunroof and window glass shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-07

The sunroof shattered without any impact issue, while we were driving down the road at approximately 65 MPH. If the sunshade had not been closed the driver and two passengers would have been showered in glass risking serious injury
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752332
While driving on the freeway, somewhere between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, the sunroof spontaneously exploded. Thankfully, the sunroof liner had been closed so no glass entered the cabin
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739006
Purchased a 2026 Honda Passport and driven approximately 1 month, 1000 miles. While going down the interstate, the panoramic sunroof exploded. Had the fabric cover not been closed, my children could have been seriously injured by shards of glass
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683052

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Electrical system failure with loss of drive power

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05 → 2026-07

Our 2026 Honda Passport TSE suddenly stalled twice in active traffic intersections in Albuquerque, NM under acceleration and during a left turn, causing a sudden loss of motive power and a severe safety hazard and a potentially life threatening situation
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743434
My 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite (purchased new May 2025) has repeated, intermittent failures of the electrical system and drive-power (propulsion) function, beginning at ~16,700 miles
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749880
Today, while backing from my driveway into our residential street, I came to a complete stop and placed the vehicle's transmission from Reverse to Drive and when doing so, the vehicle shut itself off, put itself into park and engaged the parking brake
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661174

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2026 Honda Passport reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.